Step 1: Apply for Admissions

Students must be accepted for admission at Walters State before a federal financial aid application may be processed. Freshmen, transfer students, and students applying for re-admission should contact the Admissions Office at 1-800-225-4770 or (423) 585-2685. Students must be enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate program to receive financial aid.

Step 2: Request a FSA ID

Students and Parents of Dependent students are encouraged to create a Federal Student Aid ID. Your FSA ID is made up of a unique username and password that you create which will be used to confirm your identity. You will need an FSA ID to access your financial aid information on some of the U.S. Department of Education websites and to electronically sign Federal Student Aid documents, such as the FAFSA. Since your FSA ID is used to sign legally binding documents electronically it has the same legal status as your written signature. If you do not already have a FSA ID, click here to learn how to create your FSA ID.

The FSA ID is replacing the Federal Student Aid PIN. If you already have a PIN, you will be able to enter it and link it to your FSA ID. If you have forgotten you Federal Student Aid PIN you can still create an FSA ID. Learn more about the FSA ID

Don't give your FSA ID to anyone including those that may be helping you complete the FAFSA. Sharing your FSA ID could put you at risk of identity theft!!

Step 3: Complete your FAFSA

Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Renewal FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1 each year. Walters State's priority deadline for fall enrollment is June 30. However, we encourage all students to apply earlier to avoid the rush and because funds are limited in some federal and state programs. Thus, awards are made to eligible students on a first come first served basis! The FAFSA may be completed online at www.fafsa.gov. Be sure to list Walters State as a school choice when completing the FAFSA (008863). The FAFSA is also the application used for the Tennessee Student Assistance Award (TSAA) and Tennessee Lottery Scholarships (TELS).

Check the accuracy of your Social Security number (and your spouse if married and parent(s) if dependent) on your FAFSA and other forms. An incorrect Social Security number will delay the processing of your financial aid application. Be sure and list your name as it appears on your Social Security card (and your spouse if married and parent(s) if dependent).

DO NOT leave question 31 blank on your FAFSA. Read the FAFSA instructions carefully and follow the directions for completing this question regarding drug convictions.

This is a free application and you should NEVER pay to file your FAFSA

Step 4: Review your Student Aid Report (SAR)

After your FAFSA application is processed, the U.S. Department of Education sends the student a Student Aid Report (SAR ) by mail or e-mail. The Student Aid Report should be reviewed to determine the accuracy of the information and whether any follow-up steps are required. If your application is incomplete the SAR will tell you what you need to do to resolve any issues.

Verify that Walters State is listed as a school choice on this report (WSCC School Code 008863. )If not, using your PIN number, sign in to your FAFSA application and add Walters State. Or, you may call the Federal Aid processor at (800) 433-3243 to request you're your FAFSA results be sent to Walter State.

The schools that you listed on your FAFSA will use your information to determine your eligibility. It is possible that you may be required to submit additional information to your school to verify the accuracy of the data you provided on your application.

The EFC (expected family contribution) listed on your SAR is the amount of support that you and your family are expected to contribute toward the cost of your education.

Step 5
: Submit a Scholarship Application – Deadline 3/15

All students are encouraged to apply. The deadline for submission is March 15th. Late applications will not be accepted.

The WSCC Scholarship Committee meets in April of each year to review scholarship data and to make the awards. Each award recipient will be notified by mail regarding the type of scholarship they have been offered. Students are required to submit a scholarship acceptance form by the date indicated on the letter in order to be eligible for the scholarship. Once all acceptance letters are received, additional scholarships may be awarded based on scholarship offers that were declined.

Step 6: Monitor your Financial Aid Status on StarNET

Students are responsible for monitoring their StarNet account. Students should check their account frequently to review current Financial Aid status (satisfactory academic progress, active messages, holds), Eligibility status (missing documents) and Award information. It is critical that you respond to all requests for additional information promptly.